Coca-Cola (often referred to simply as Coke) is a carbonated soft drink[1] produ

ced by The Coca-Cola Company. Originally intended as a patent medicine, it was i

nvented in the late 19th century by John Pemberton and was bought out by busines
sman Asa Griggs Candler, whose marketing tactics led Coca-Cola to its dominance
of the world soft-drink market throughout the 20th century. The drink's name ref
ers to two of its original ingredients, which were kola nuts (a source of caffei
ne) and coca leaves. The current formula of Coca-Cola remains a trade secret, al
though a variety of reported recipes and experimental recreations have been publ
ished.